• Sun, February 16, 2025

by: rnz

Mediawatch: Golden visas obscured by politics and talkback pushback

Mediawatch: Media management helped the government's new 'golden visas' into the headlines, but it also got obscured by the ACT leader's antics.

by: CNN

'Salute and execute': A new generation of military veterans takes center stage as Trump remakes US foreign policy

At the start of his first term, President Donald Trump filled several top jobs with retired generals — high-ranking veterans who served in leadership positions during the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

by: PBS

Fact-checking Trump and Musk's claims that they are cutting government 'fraud and abuse'

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump say they have uncovered massive "fraud" in the federal government. But the projects the White House points to are largely ones that the administration disagrees with ideologically,

by: Yahoo

What it means when Elon Musk brings his children to work

Jon Haber, a strategic communication consultant who has worked with five presidential campaigns and teaches at Harvard, said Musk's children making frequent appearances - and creating viral moments - is beneficial for Trump.

by: Newsweek

Who Is Ashley St. Clair? Author Says She's Had Elon Musk's 13th Child

The conservative influencer said she made the announcement to prevent the baby's existence from being revealed by "tabloid media."

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk's DOGE requests access to IRS tax database: Sources

Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Rubio agrees with Netanyahu Hamas must be 'eliminated'

As President Donald Trump's second administration continued its effort to swiftly reshape the federal government, a union representing foreign service officers at the U.S. Agency for International Development accused the administration of failing to comply with last week's temporary restraining order to prevent the dismantling of USAID.

by: MSN

Syria's new leader visits former Assad strongholds

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Latakia and Tartus on Sunday, his office said, making his first official trip to the coastal provinces formerly known as strongholds of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.

by: CNN

Steve Bannon is playing MAGA enforcer from the outside. Is the White House listening?

Through blunt conversations with staff and his popular podcast, Steve Bannon is trying to steer the early direction of the new Trump administration. Whether he's having much impact inside the White House is a subject of debate.

by: MSN

A legal look at Trump's executive sprint

As President Trump tests the traditional limits of presidential power, Georgetown University legal scholar and constitutional expert Stephen Vladeck discusses what's legal, what's unprecedented, and what could come next.

by: MSN

'Crown Estate profits generated from our land and seabed should benefit Wales directly'

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth writes for WalesOnline about the failure of the UK government to devolve responsibility for the Crown Estate

by: MSN

World News Live Today February 16, 2025: Transgender man 'tortured' and killed at NY motel; five charged

Get real-time updates on international politics, economic changes, conflicts, and environmental issues. Access the latest breaking news and in-depth stories as they happen, keeping you informed of events shaping the world.

by: MSN

Ukraine and Europe worry about being sidelined as Trump pushes direct talks with Russia on war's end

President Donald Trump's approach to ending Russia's war against Ukraine has left European allies and Ukrainian officials worried they are being largely sidelined by the new U.S. administration as Washington and Moscow plan direct negotiations.

by: MSN

Meeting between PM Modi, US President Trump reaffirms strength of US-India partnership: USISPF

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for the substantive outcomes achieved in their first meeting following Trump's inauguration on January 20.

by: MSN

Netanyahu tells Marco Rubio 'President Trump and I are working in full cooperation'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday met in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.In his remarks, Netanyahu called President Trump "the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.

by: MSN

As USAID freeze leaves South Asia reeling, can India rise to the challenge?

The sudden suspension of USAID funds has delivered a gut punch to Nepal and Bangladesh - but it could be an opportunity for India to step up When the US abruptly froze US$44 billion in aid funding last month,

by: MSN

Ukraine's Zelensky says he trusts Donald Trump but wants to meet as US pushes peace talks with Russia

Ukraine's Zelensky says he trusts Donald Trump but wants to meet as US pushes peace talks with Russia - White House officials are expected to enter negotiations with Russia in coming days, but it's un

by: MSN

President Murmu witnesses inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format

President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of the Change of Guard Ceremony in a new format, held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday."The inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format was held today at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

by: MSN

Joint Parliamentary panel on One Nation One Election to meet on February 25

The Joint Committee meeting on Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024">2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024">2024 will be held at the Parliament House Annexe and will be holding interactions with legal experts.

by: MSN

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates - According to the White House the president will arrive at the Daytona International Speedway jus

by: MSN

Elon Musk is doing everything conspiracy theorists accuse George Soros of

Elon Musk is an unfathomably wealthy billionaire who has used his financial resources to gain influence over politics, media, and government institutions. If that sounds familiar, it's because right-wing populists have spent years hurling accusations of the same behavior at the liberal Jewish philanthropist George Soros.

by: MSN

A government worker's message for Elon Musk

Since taking office, President Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk, have worked to winnow the ranks of federal workers, enticing more than 2 million gov't employees to quit. But how will the public lose out if government workers lose their jobs?

by: MSN

Trump administration's reversal: NNSA layoffs cause chaos

The Donald Trump administration initially laid off employees and subsequently reversed those decisions at the National Nuclear Security Administration, as reported by American media. On Thursday, some employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the USA received layoff notices,

by: MSN

Trump's Return-to-Office Order Threatens Power of Government Unions

The fight involves whether remote-work protections for federal workers last from one administration to the next.

by: MSN

Zelensky's request to Donald Trump, before "meeting the Russians"

On Friday, after his meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (in Germany), Volodymyr Zelensky made a specific request to Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader called for a "real and guaranteed" peace for his country.

by: MSN

'Cold and cruel': Former federal workers 'shocked, angry and emotionally distraught'

As has been widely reported, the Trump administration has begun implementing mass layoffs across several federal agencies, leaving thousands of workers reeling. The story of Elena Moseyko, a data scientist at the U.

by: MSN

How Elon Musk is boosting far-right politics across the globe

Elon Musk has encouraged right-wing political movements, policies and administrations in at least 18 countries.

by: MSN

'I'm 100% certain' Musk 'looking for excuse to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid': Top Dem

Amid fears that U.S. President Donald Trump's government-gutting billionaire adviser, Elon Musk, will target Social Security, elected officials, advocates, workers, and beneficiaries of the federal program for seniors and people with disabilities held a Monday rally in Maryland.

by: MSN

Parties welcome 'long overdue' SIU probe of eThekwini's water and sanitation unit

Natal, is governed by the ANC-IFP and EFF coalition and boasts a cool budget of R67. 2 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year.

by: MSN

Incidents are very serious, action must be taken: Maha CM on committee against 'love jihad'

Speaking about the Maharashtra government forming a committee against 'love jihad', Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that these incidents were "very serious and action must be taken."CM Fadnavis said,

by: MSN

Firings and White House anger as Trump's ICE struggles to hit arrest numbers: report

Despite the Trump administration's media blitz showing "Cops TV-style roundups" of undocumented migrants that has struck fear even in the hearts of school children, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is falling short of President Donald Trump's promise to deport "millions" of people straight out of the gate,

by: MSN

Vietnam's party chief requests priority for sci-tech development, digital transformation

Party General Secretary To Lam underlined the need to give priority and encouragement to the advancement of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

by: MSN

European Union extends Operation ASPIDES mandate to safeguard Red Sea navigation

The European Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU maritime security operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, until 28th February 2026. The extension follows a strategic review of the mission and includes a reference budget of over €17 million for the period.

by: MSN

William Cheptumo: Senator's post wishing Raila AUC success hours before death saddens Kenyans

Baringo senator William Cheptumo was hopeful that Azimio leader Raila Odinga would win his AU bid. Unfortunately, he passed away hours after wishing him success.

by: MSN

"Utter failure of Central Government, Railway Ministry and UP government": Partap Singh Bajwa on Delhi Stampede

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has termed the stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday as an "utter failure" of the Central Government, Railway Ministry, and the Uttar Pradesh government.

by: MSN

Justice Department's independence is threatened as Trump's team asserts power over cases and staff

Pam Bondi had insisted at her Senate confirmation hearing that as attorney general, her Justice Department would not "play politics."

by: MSN

Questions over Mineral and Petroleum Resources committee's silence on Stilfontein deaths

The organisations called on the portfolio committee to immediately exercise its legislative oversight functions.

by: MSN

Morocco remains committed to joint African action in service of Africa's noble causes, its citizens' vital interests

Morocco remains committed to joint African action at the service of Africa's noble causes and the vital interests of its citizens. The February 2025 African Union (AU) Summit addressed several issues,

by: MSN

Canada will "never" be 51st U.S. state, Poilievre says

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke out against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and attacks on Canada's sovereignty on Saturday, telling supporters that Canada would "never" be America's 51st state.

by: MSN

Ipusa demands equal rights and benefits for civilian workers in SAPS

The Independent Police Union of South Africa (Ipusa) has called on the Minister of Police to urgently address disparities in benefits, promotions, and working conditions for civilian workers in the po

by: MSN

Elon Musk's DOGE cuts $21 million funding for voter turnout in India

The United States cancelled millions of dollars in funding for multiple countries, including India and Bangladesh, as President Donald Trump's new administration implements budget cuts.

by: MSN

German Election 2025: Where do political parties stand on key climate issues?

After becoming a deciding issue for many in 2021, climate change has now dropped down the list of voter priorities in Germany. View on euronews

by: MSN

Trump's Reach for Power: Seven Court Cases to Watch

The cases, brought by nonprofits, state attorneys general, civil rights groups and private citizens, challenge Trump's directives to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding, shrink the federal workforce,

by: MSN

Mahamoud Youssouf speaks out after defeating Raila Odinga in AUC election: "I am humbled"

Newly elected AUC chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf from Djibouti has thanked African heads of state who supported and voted for him during the AU election.

by: MSN

What Christian leaders in SA said about allegations the US raised against the government

Over 300 white Christian leaders in South Africa slammed the United States government and accused it of spreading outright lies about white South Africans.

by: MSN

S. Korea navigates uncertainty as Trump's reciprocal tariffs reshape global trade

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Feb. 13, directing his top advisers to come up with new tariff levels that match the tax rates the country's trading partners charge on American imports,

by: MSN

MSC 2025: US, Europe divided on how to deal with Russia

European and US leaders have diverged on how to deal with Russia's war on Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Scholz, along with others, has been critical of US comments.

by: MSN

US, Russia to meet in Saudi Arabia over Ukraine war

U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending Moscow's nearly three-year war in Ukraine, a U.S. lawmaker and a source familiar with the planning said on Saturday.

Mediawatch: Golden visas obscured by politics and talkback pushback

Mediawatch: Media management helped the government's new 'golden visas' into the headlines, but it also got obscured by the ACT leader's antics.
The article from RNZ's Mediawatch discusses the controversy surrounding New Zealand's 'golden visa' program, officially known as the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas, which allow wealthy individuals to gain residency by investing significant sums in the country. The program has come under scrutiny following a report by the Financial Times highlighting potential security risks due to the lack of transparency and the possibility of these visas being used for money laundering or by individuals with dubious backgrounds. The debate has been fueled by political reactions and public discourse, with some talkback radio hosts and politicians arguing that the criticism is overblown or politically motivated. The discussion has highlighted the tension between economic benefits from foreign investment and national security concerns, with calls for more stringent checks and transparency in the visa granting process. However, the conversation has often been clouded by political rhetoric and sensationalism, obscuring a nuanced examination of the visa program's implications.

Read the Full rnz Article at:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542012/mediawatch-golden-visas-obscured-by-politics-and-talkback-pushback